48 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • NOVEMBER 2020
HOME BARS
MIXING AND SWATCHING
Many people enjoy opening their homes
to friends or family. In fact, according
to the National Eating Trends survey
and custom research by the NPD
group, in 2016 the average person ate
38 meals at other people’s homes.
Knowing how to cook, set the mood
and entertain is increasingly important
for many homeowners. Installing
and outfitting a home bar can provide
guests with the features of a night out,
only without the crowds or bar tabs
that come at the end of the night. A
home bar is a place where hosts and
their guests can gather and enjoy
great conversation. Such a spot also
can serve as a neighborhood hangout
— a smart choice for those who want
to indulge safely and not have to drive
home afterward.
And since the holidays are coming,
but bars are still not allowed to offer
walk-up service, maskless mingling,
or serve drinks to someone not ordering
food, at-home bars are a good
alternative for those looking to have
small holiday parties, within guidelines
of no more than 50 people as of
press time to prevent the spread of
COVID-19.
Creating a home bar need not be a
difficult project. By investing in basic
equipment, stocking up on preferred
liquors and gaining some mixology
expertise, hosts can impress and entertain
their guests.
ESTABLISH A SETUP
Home bars can range from rolling
carts to built-in wet bars to a single
tray of items. Space in a home will
dictate the kind of bar homeowners
can have. Rolling bar carts are popular
and versatile, and they can be
kept stationary or rolled in and out of
a room as needed. If a bar cart is open,
organization is key, as you don’t want
it to look unkempt.
A full-blown wet bar will require
more construction, including plumbing
and electricity if you need outlets
for plugging in appliances. Wet bars
are ideal in dens, renovated garages
and finished basements.
STOCK UP ON GEAR
A new home bar requires barware
and glassware. Various drinks are
best served in requisite glassware and
prepared with the right equipment. A
home bar will benefit from a muddler,
jigger, cocktail shaker, strainer, ice cube
trays, and bar spoon. Glassware can
include short glasses, tall glasses and
wine glasses with stems. Martini glasses
provide a chic look and are practical
for those who prefer cosmopolitans and
martinis.
BRING ON THE BOOZE
No bar is complete without alcohol
and mixers. Homeowners can buy
the types of spirits they love and
complete their bars with the basics
for mixing. When stocking a bar, keep
in mind that everything does not have
to be top-shelf. Vodka, gin, tequila,
rum, and whiskey are some of the
more popular spirits. Simple syrup,
fresh fruit, club soda, cola, and bitters
are examples of versatile mixers.
Entertaining guru Martha Stewart
says to have enough supplies on
hand for guests. Expect each person
to have three drinks (requiring three
glasses), use a pound of ice, and three
cocktail napkins per two-hour party.
Don’t forget to also have nonalcoholic
items on hand for those who don’t
imbibe.
-Metro Creative Connection
INSIDE JOB
Getty Images
Creating a
home bar need
not be a difficult
project.
By investing in
basic equipment,
stocking up on preferred
liquors, and gaining some
mixology expertise, hosts
can impress and entertain
their guests.
Home bars can range
from rolling carts to
built-in wet bars to a
single tray of items.
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
